Oldt1mer - Keith's photos with the keyword: Wasp

The Common Wasp – Vespula vulgaris – is normally a mild mannered little creature. Although they can be extremely annoying, they will not attack or sting unless provoked or scared so it is best to not wave or try to bat them away. (Don’t ask me how to get them off your picnic sandwiches though, without doing just that). This one was seen happily searching for pollen at Three Sisters, near Wigan. This Picture is fully © Copyrighted. None of my images may be copied, reproduced or altered in any form or manner or placed on the internet or any other social media, or in any form of publication either print or otherwise, in any form or manner without my written permission.

The mere sight of a Common Wasp - Vespula vulgaris - hovering around is enough to send many people running and flailing their arms about trying to get rid of it. It is exactly this action, though, that may cause it to sting because under normal circumstances it will usually not sting without being provoked by sudden movement or threatening behaviour. The sting is, however, rarely life threatening and is an alkaline venom as against Bee venom which is acidic. I find it fascinating how the body flexes at the middle. This one was spotted peacefully enjoying nectar at the Three Sisters Recreational area, Wigan. Explored No 466, Jan 18th 2023 This Picture is fully © Copyrighted. None of my images may be copied, reproduced or altered in any form or manner or placed on the internet or any other social media, or in any form of publication either print or otherwise, in any form or manner without my written permission.

This is the amazing little Yellow Ophion - Ophion scutellaris - an Ichneumon Wasp which emerges early in the spring to find moth or butterfly caterpillars in which to lay their eggs. When the eggs hatch, the larvae will eat the caterpillar from the inside. Adults feed on nectar and pollen. They have no sting but if threatened they will poke with their ovipositor, (which they use to inject eggs), which can cause some discomfort. I have read that this species is nocturnal but I saw this one mid afternoon so it is possibly an early riser ;-) Not the best photo I know but I glimpsed movement, saw the insect, as it landed I grabbed a quick shot and off it went further into the greenery. Seen at Martin Mere Wetlands. This Picture is fully © Copyrighted. None of my images may be copied, reproduced or altered in any form or manner or placed on the internet or any other social media, or in any form of publication either print or otherwise, in any form or manner without my written permission.